Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Delicious Dinner Prep Ideas for Busy Weeknights

Rotisserie chicken is a weeknight savior for busy families. That tender, flavorful meat is perfect for transforming into quick and easy meals. But after a day or two, you may find yourself stuck on what to do with those leftovers. Don’t worry – with a little creativity, you can turn that leftover rotisserie chicken into delicious new dinners your family will love.

In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of dinner prep ideas that make the most of your rotisserie chicken leftovers. From hearty soups to fresh salads to comforting casseroles, there’s an option for every craving. Best of all, these recipes come together fast, perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Why Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Is a Meal Prep Game-Changer

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s look at why rotisserie chicken is such a great ingredient for meal prepping:

• Saves time: The chicken is already cooked, so your meal prep base is ready to go.
• Budget-friendly: Rotisserie chickens offer great value for the amount of meat you get.
• Versatile: The neutral flavor works in a wide variety of dishes and cuisines.
• Healthy: Lean protein that’s easy to portion control for balanced meals.

With those benefits in mind, let’s explore some delicious ways to use up that leftover chicken!

If you’re new to meal prepping, check out our guide on Easy Meal Prep Tips for Beginners to get started

Easy and Flavorful Chicken Salad Ideas

Chicken salad is a classic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Here are three delicious variations to try:

Classic Chicken Salad

This traditional chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, and perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup halved grapes
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

For a lighter take, try this Mediterranean-inspired version packed with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine chicken, cucumber, olives, and feta in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

Spicy Chicken Salad

Add some heat to your chicken salad with this zesty version.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Quick and Satisfying Chicken Wraps

Wraps are a great way to turn leftover chicken into a portable meal. Try these tasty variations:

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Spicy buffalo sauce gives these wraps a kick of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 4 large whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced celery

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
2. Spread ranch dressing on tortillas.
3. Top with buffalo chicken, lettuce, and celery.
4. Roll up tightly and cut in half to serve.

Greek Chicken Wraps

These Mediterranean-inspired wraps are fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 4 large spinach tortillas

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken with tzatziki sauce in a bowl.
2. Spread chicken mixture on tortillas.
3. Top with feta, cucumber, and tomatoes.
4. Roll up tightly and slice in half to serve.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Wraps

For a twist, try these wraps with an Asian flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 4 large rice paper wrappers

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken with hoisin sauce in a bowl.
2. Soak rice paper wrappers in warm water until pliable.
3. Place chicken mixture, carrots, green onions, and cilantro in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.

Hearty Chicken Soups for Cozy Nights

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. These chicken soups come together quickly with your leftover rotisserie chicken:

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Tex-Mex-inspired soup is packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add remaining ingredients except tortilla chips and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

This classic soup is comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in a large pot until softened.
2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Noodle Soup

You can’t go wrong with this timeless favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add noodles and cook until tender.
3. Stir in chicken and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Casseroles That Come Together in a Flash

Casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes transform your leftover chicken into comforting one-dish meals:

Chicken and Rice Casserole

This creamy casserole is pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients except breadcrumbs in a casserole dish.
3. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Chicken Parmesan Bake

All the flavors of chicken parmesan in an easy casserole form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half the sauce in a baking dish. Top with chicken.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with cheese, breadcrumbs, and basil.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

This rich and creamy pasta bake is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz pasta, cooked
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, peas, and milk in a casserole dish.
3. Top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and top is golden.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

To get the most out of your rotisserie chicken, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

Proper Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Remove chicken from the bones before storing it for easier use later.
• If you won’t use it within a few days, freeze for longer storage.

Freezing Leftover Chicken:

• Shred or chop chicken and store in freezer bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and use within 3-4 months for best quality.

Reheating Methods:

• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of oil or broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Oven: Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can ensure your leftover rotisserie chicken stays fresh and ready for your next meal.

Conclusion

Leftover rotisserie chicken doesn’t have to mean boring repeat meals. With a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into quick, tasty, and healthy dinner options. From wraps to casseroles and soups, these dinner prep ideas are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a satisfying meal on the table fast.

Remember, the key to making the most of your rotisserie chicken is proper storage and reheating. By following the tips provided, you can ensure your chicken stays fresh and flavorful for all your meal prep needs.

So next time you have some leftover rotisserie chicken, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen. With these ideas as a starting point, you’ll never look at leftover chicken the same way again. Happy cooking!